Primary school makes the grade

NDET 6-9-12 TW 12 LEA primary school outstanding Ofsted pictured are some of the school pupils and in front Anabelle Cochrane with head Simon Gostick

Published:10:49Wednesday 12 September 2012

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STAFF at one Dales school are ‘very proud’ after being awarded top marks on a recent Ofsted inspection.

Lea Primary School, Matlock, was recognised as being ‘outstanding’ after inspectors paid a visit before the summer break.

Head Teacher Simon Gostwick said: “We had targeted ourselves at being ‘good’ so to have the recognition of being ‘outstanding’ is absolutely fantastic – only 14 per cent of schools manage that.”

The primary school – which has 111 pupils aged between four and eleven-years-old – was recognised as having above average pupil achievement, excellent teaching and ‘first-rate’ leadership and management.

Inspectors also concluded that pupils at Lea Primary School developed an ‘exceptionally wide range’ of personal and academic skills that prepare them ‘very well’ for the future.

Simon, who joined the school in January 2009, said: “The comments are a big thumbs up for what we’ve been doing and what we are planning for the future.”

Simon believes that one of the keys to the school’s success is the huge effort that the dedicated team put into making learning ‘exciting and memorable’ for pupils.

Some of the ways staff achieve this is by planning residential trips, themed learning weeks, outdoor lessons in the adjacent woods and putting high emphasis on physical activity.

Simon said: “We are all so proud and I’d like to give a big pat-on-the-back to the pupils, teachers and parents.”

When Ofsted last inspected the school they deemed it to be ‘satisfactory’ – the lowest level before special measures have to be taken.

Simom said: “We certainly won’t be sitting on our laurels now we’re ‘outstanding’ and will continue to make improvements.”

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